Xyridaceae

5 gen., trop. to temp.

Xyris L.

19 species in Aust.; all states and territories

Tufted, perennial herbs. Leaves narrow, basal, sheathing at the base. Flowers bisexual, slightly irregular, sessile with broad imbricate rigid bracts, in a terminal globular or ovoid head. Sepals 3; the lateral 2 exterior, glumaceous; the third one interior, petaloid or membranous. Petals 3, connate at the base, yellow, equal, spreading. Stamens 3, alternating with 3 staminodes. Ovary superior, 1-locular or imperfectly 3-locular; placentas parietal; style 3-branched. Fruit a 1-locular capsule.